By Samuel Oyadongha

YENAGOA—The people of the coastal settlement of Ekeni in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have raised alarm over the rising cases of pirates’ invasion and attacks on their community.

Indigenes of the predominantly fishing community, tucked in the coastal waters between Furopa and Ezetu, said they were constantly living in fear of the rampaging sea robbers, who over time had been exploiting the sloppy policing of the area to carry out their nefarious trade.

They noted with sadness that though a military post was sited at neighbouring Ezetu, they were always at the mercy of the bandits because of the alleged refusal of the soldiers to move out of their base.

Vanguard gathered that the sad turn of event in the community has forced many of the natives residing in the cities to stay away from their ancestral home due to the security situation in the area.

The President General, Ekeni Descendant Union, Bayelsa State, John Ekewei, lamented that the pirates had made life unbearable for his people, the fishing folks, boat operators and passengers plying their waterways.